FACE TO FACE: The many causes of back pain

Dear Athena: Could you please write about those who suffer back pain? Have enjoyed your columns for a long time, keep up the good work.

— A.R.

Dear A.R,: Thank you. Time flies when you enjoy what you are doing.

Back pain seems to hit as many as 75 percent of the population, sooner or later. This includes the athletically inclined, and the couch potato. Low back pain is the most common disability among those younger than 45, according to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

You are most likely to become a candidate for low back pain if you’re out of shape, if you’ve overexerted doing something you’re not used to or if you don’t warm up your muscles and joints before plunging into activity.

A sudden twisting or turning motion can add up to weeks or months of misery.

They claim common sense helps many get over the pain. They recommend lying down for a day or two, aspirin, ice and warm baths. A person should avoid too much activity for a while.

Which brings us to an interesting point. When a person experiences back pain, he usually reacts quickly to rest — for about a day. There seems to be a feeling among people and back pain — it is there, then it will go away.

Fortunately, a doctor can analyze the source of your pain. It could be a disk problem, such as disk material protruding and pressing against a nerve or more seriously, a ruptured disk. It could be muscle spasms, arthritis, osteoporosis. Stress, overweight and other lifestyle-related conditions are possible contributors.

It is suggested that a patient go to physical therapy after seeing their doctor. You will learn something about the mechanics of your back and what to do — or, not to do — to keep pain at bay.

We are told the best way to avoid problems is to understand how your body works. The back is a complex piece of engineering, with the jelly-like disks between the vertebra functioning as a hydraulic system that distributes load stress. The natural “S” curve of the spine is the architecture that supports and balances the weight of the head, the five lower vertebra of the lumbar spine act as foundation for carrying the 70 percent of your body weight located in the upper body.

What usually goes wrong is that because of your habits and lifestyle, your back isn’t as strong and flexible as it should be. Or you misjudge your capacities.

Become aware. Avoid twisting and bending, and always warm up for any kind of physical activity.

The best recreational sport for strengthening the back, is swimming. Biking and walking also are good. But be cautious. If twisting the back is too much, better take it easy.

Join Athena on “High Noon with Athena” on Monday from noon to 1 p.m. and Friday from noon to 1 p.m. Athena will discuss how we can develop a peaceful mind and body — at any age. Or contact her by writing P.O. Box 218, Holbrook, MA 02343; e-mail AthenaPark@aol.com; or her Web site, www.athenaparker.com.